Registration Opens for '22 Conference

Make plans now to join Civil Air Patrol’s Command Team, national staff, great speakers, and old (and new) friends as CAP members and partners come together Aug. 25-27 at the Galt House on the banks of the Ohio River in Louisville, Kentucky, for the 2022 National Conference.

Registration for the conference — the first to be held on-site since 2019 — is open, accessible through the National Conference webpage. Hotel reservations (with a CAP discount) are also available.

New CAP-USAF Commander Installed

Col. Tyler P. Frander became the 32nd commander of Civil Air Patrol-U.S. Air Force in a ceremony April 13 in the main hangar at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama.

As CAP-USAF commander, Frander is responsible for ensuring CAP — the Air Force auxiliary — is organized, trained and equipped to fulfill Air Force-assigned missions. He assumes command from Col. Mark Wootan, who has led CAP-USAF since April 2019 and is retiring from active duty.

“I am humbled and honored to be part of the team, and I look forward to continuing to build upon the strong relationships between CAP and CAP-USAF,” Frander said.

Missouri CAP Members Return to State Capitol

The Missouri Wing’s Legislative Squadron grew by more than 40 when wing members from across the state gathered in person at the Capitol for the first time in two years for annual Aviation Day activities.

More than 70 wing members met with state legislators, toured the Capitol and nearby state Supreme Court building, and received triple recognition for continued exceptional community service throughout the state — a resolution from the House of Representatives, a proclamation from the Senate, and a certificate of recognition from the governor’s office.

Louisiana Wing Welcomes New Commander

Col. James Viney is the Louisiana Wing’s new commander, having been sworn in at the wing’s annual banquet in April as the successor to Col. Patrick M. Yglesias.

Viney (seen here with wife, Regina, and granddaughter, Kailyn, pinning on his new rank epaulettes) had served as the wing’s vice commander since March 2018. He also served at the wing level as director of development and of recruiting and retention. He previously commanded the Lake Charles Composite Squadron.

He said he will call on his experience in CAP and his professional career in law enforcement to command the wing to the best of his ability.

Celebrating National Volunteer Month

Teacher Seizes 'Tremendous Opportunities to Serve'

For National Volunteer Week, we salute Lt. Col. James D. Peace, a Texas Wing squadron commander who also serves as Civil Air Patrol's National Cadet Special Activities coordinator and teaches at a Houston middle school where he fills a number of roles.

Volunteer service with CAP and at Michael R. Null Middle School is a way of life for Peace. “He’s just done so many great things for our students,” said Raechel Broussard, associate principal at the school, where she has worked with Peace about a dozen years.

More Entries Sought for JanEX Prize Competition

The submissions deadline for the JanEX Prize to honor the most forward-thinking CAP innovations through the “100 Ideas in 100 Days” initiative is May 30 with a new goal of 150 entries because of increased interest and activity in the competition.

Maj. Gen. Edward D. Phelka, national commander/CEO, reset the goal at the request of CAP's Innovation team, which has received 85 entries so far as part of its JanEX Project.

“In a constantly evolving landscape, innovation will help ensure CAP’s capabilities remain relevant,” Phelka said. “Our members are incredibly creative and continuously impress with their ability to think outside the box to provide innovative ways to solve problems and speed resources to where they’re needed.”

CAP will bestow gold, silver, and bronze medals for the best ideas in the competition. Judging will be based on the entries' impact on and benefit to CAP mission execution. Award winners will be announced in August at the 2022 National Conference in Louisville, Kentucky.

There's Still Time to Sign Up for Balloon Challenge

The April 30 registration deadline for the Aerospace Education team's second National High-Altitude Balloon Challenge for cadets is approaching, but there's still time to sign up. Every CAP composite or cadet squadron has the option to participate.

Details on the STEM-based competition are available here.

Applications Sought for Cadet Programs Positions

National Headquarters is now accepting applications for a Cadet Programs Fitness Program Coordinator and an Assistant Curry Webinar Program Coordinator. For details and to apply, please visit www.gocivilairpatrol.com/nationalstaff. 

“Civil Air Patrol Buys Airport Hangar”

-HometownSource.com

(Lake Elmo, Minn.)

“Hartselle CAP Wins Highest Award in Local Competition”

-HartselleEnquirer.com

(Hartselle, Ala.)

“Helping Youth Take Flight”

-Sent-Trib.com

(Bowling Green, Ohio)

Tweet of the Week @Civil Air Patrol

With more than 700 donations in the past week, Civil Air Patrol's Operation Pulse Lift blew away its two-year COVID-19 anniversary goal of 12,000 units. The campaign has totaled this many units so far:

Operation Pulse Lift's new stretch goal for the beginning of the fiscal year (Oct. 1) is 15,000 units, with a 2022 year-end goal of 16,667.